Sneak peek: Plexpod Flashcube offers glimpse into coworking’s future (Hint: It isn’t far from home)

Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Plexpod — a progressive coworking platform offering next generation workspace for entrepreneurs, startups, and growth-stage companies of all sizes — but was independently produced by Startland News.

Work, live, play, Stephanie Medina emphasized during a guided tour of the newest and most high-end Plexpod community yet. 

Flashcube Luxury Apartments

“We’re looking at how we take this model and operation and move it into the future,” said Medina, director of operations at the Kansas City-built coworking giant.

Rounding a corner in the lower level of the downtown Flashcube building, she headed toward the wine lounge — a perk for Plexpod members and residents of the all-glass façade Flashcube Luxury Apartments, which sit just above the fifth Plexpod location at 720 Main St.

Click here to read more about the partnership and the announcement of the new Plexpod space, its third location along the KC Streetcar line. 

The now-open downtown space serves as a significant indicator of growth for the 6-year-old company, founded by Gerald and Dianna Smith, added Medina. 

“This is just the start. This is the way of the future,” Medina continued, highlighting ways the company has grown amid the COVID-19 pandemic, with locations now offering short-term, flexible, and virtual membership options, as well as spacious meeting rooms, phone booths and socially distanced common areas. 

Check out the gallery of amenities available to Plexpod members at Flashcube below, then keep reading.

Of course, in a year where some 42 percent of the U.S. workforce has established a home workbase, according to Stanford University research, the ability for Kansas Citians to work where they live — but feel as if they’re unconfined — has never been more important, she said. 

Plexpod Flashcube

“It definitely has been something that we’ve been discussing prior to [COVID] and we were excited when we were able to partner with Worcester Investments. When the opportunity became available, we knew it was a really good fit,” she said, noting a strong working relationship with the real estate investment company that manages Flashcube.

Worcester led Flashcube’s ground up renovation after the building sat empty for more than a decade — the former home of Commerce Bank. 

Explore the living and relaxation spaces available to Flashcube residents below, then keep reading.

Plexpod Flashcube

Plexpod occupies 40,000 square feet of the 220,000-square-foot project and offers private offices, event areas, and flexible drop-in spaces with state-of-the-art amenities, Medina said. Plexpod communities follow COVID-19 guidelines, and include plenty of space for companies to disperse their workforce and host smaller gatherings, she added. 

While Worcester hoped to bring the building back to life with such modern amenities as an indoor basketball court and rock climbing, a dog park and sprawling fitness center — as well as the latest trends in apartment living that include stainless steel appliances and dramatic city views — the team at Plexpod found themselves in one of their most creative positions yet. As they envisioned the aesthetic of a fifth location, the style and design were driven by a collaborative, group effort among the project’s team. 

Click here to view current specials or to learn more about Flashcube Luxury Apartments. 

Plexpod Flashcube

“Each of our locations is so unique and has a different aesthetic and vibe,” she said, noting the urban jungle-inspired feel of Plexpod River Market — which sits within eyesight of the new downtown location — and the historic backdrop of Westport Junior High School, which houses Plexpod Westport-Commons. 

View of Plexpod River Market from Plexpod Flashcube

“This location has more of an industrial, modern feel to it — but it’s still comfortable,” Medina said of Plexpod Flashcube. “It’s a welcoming environment and that’s ultimately what we want everyone to come back to.” 

“It’s kind of retro-chic,” she added. “This building was built in the ’70s, so you’ll notice the mirrored ceilings in the front entrance, which is an ode to what was original to the space.”

From mid-century-inspired colors like rust orange and funky wallpaper to the latest trends in lighting and office furnishings, members at Plexpod Flashcube will find themselves working in one of the most luxurious and hip office spaces in the metro, added Kelsey Creed, director of marketing and sales. 

“This is one of the most unique and exciting offerings because this hasn’t been done before and it’s truly the future of downtown living,” she said, noting Plexpod is currently running a holiday special that takes 15 percent off membership prices over 12 months and offers two months free. 

“This concept really encompasses the live, work, play model by combining luxury apartments with office space and a variety of state of the art amenities right at your fingertips all under one roof,” she said.

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Plexpod reimagines a workspace model where businesses share resources and grow together. Click here to learn more.